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Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Asparagus Soup

No matter what the season, I enjoy a hot bowl of soup especially recipes like this asparagus soup that are fast, easy, seasonal and tasty. This delicious rich green soup can be whipped up in just 20 minutes from start to finish. If you like Asparagus, you'll love this flavorful soup!

It's finally spring on the East Coast and fresh asparagus are beginning to show up at local farmers markets, supermarkets, and the CSAs. I bought my first bunch of asparagus today and couldn't wait to make this simple soup that meets both gluten free and vegan standards.

I eat asparagus other ways as well. When asparagus are fresh and tender, I enjoy them raw. I eat them one by one, add them to salads or use them with dips on a crudités platter. However, sometimes I prefer my vegetables cooked, so I grill them or use small and medium asparagus spears to make this quick creamy soup that is light and flavorful.

Soup helps me boost the nutritional value of my meals and have yet another way to eat healthy greens!

Asparagus are a powerhouse of nutrients and help balance blood sugar

Not only are asparagus delicious, burt their health benefits are impressive.

Nutrient Dense ( lots of vitamins and minerals)

Cancer protective antioxidants

Anti- inflammatory

Helps balance blood sugar

In addition to being nutrient dense, asparagus contain cancer protective antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and may even help prevent cataracts. They contribute to maintaining normal blood sugar levels which make them a good choice for those with Type Two diabetes.

How to Select Asparagus

1. Look for bright green stalks
2. Look for firm stems
3. Their flowering tips should be closed and tight
4. Whether the stalk is thin, medium, or thick, the asparagus can all be very flavorful
5. Avoid stalks that are woody and may be chewy to eat.

How to Prepare Asparagus
Rinse well and then simply break off the ends that are the woody end. The woody end may appear white. The asparagus usually snap at just the right place. There is no need to even use a knife.

How to Eat Asparagus
1. Wash and eat them raw- they are delicious
2. Grill them and use as a side dish or garnish
3. Make them into a simple creamy soup

Saute the onion and celery in olive oil spray or a tablespoon of olive oil in a 4 quart soup pot until translucent. Add 4 cups of broth and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, add the asparagus and clove of garlic then reduce heat and simmer for about 6- 8 minutes until the asparagus are tender. Add remainder of liquid if needed. Puree in a high speed blender and serve! Cracked pepper to taste

I make asparagus soup often with a very similar recipe. What I do differently is use 2 medium size leeks instead of onions and I add a couple of sprigs of fresh from my garden of thyme. I hope you will try that when you next prepare asparagus soup, I think you would like it. I enjoyed your post, lots of info.

Asparagus is definitely one of my favourite vegetables, Judee! Your asparagus soup looks really fresh and tasty - I don't know why, but I've never made asparagus soup from scratch before. I'll have to remedy that soon!! Thank you for being a part of our Hearth and Soul Hop.